Social media guidance, designed by students for students, is well-received and may prompt changes in online behaviour

Abstract

Social media offers opportunities to network and build a positive online profile; however, there is growing evidence that used unwisely, such sites can blur the lines between the personal and professional (Devi 2011) resulting in unanticipated negative consequences. In response to this, a number of health professional bodies have generated social media guidance for their members. Examination of this guidance reveals a range of content and formats. There is currently a paucity of research into healthcare students' views on available guidance. The paper reports on an investigation of healthcare students' views regarding currently existing social media guidance, the development of a new guide, that can be used by any healthcare student group (uni or multi professional) and commentary on the value of a student lead research project which results in a learning resource, developed by students, for students.